Airport screening tips for summer travellers

OTTAWA, June 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Millions of holiday-seekers will be
travelling by air this summer and for most, airport security is but a
small blip on their radar. For savvy travellers, screening checkpoints
are a waypoint in their journey from home to their ultimate
destination. But for those less-travelled or who require assistance,
such as families, seniors or passengers with special needs, the
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is offering some
useful tips to ensure the passage through security screening is as
smooth as possible.

Families

Baby food, formula, medications, milk, water and juice are exempt from
the 100ml (3.4oz) liquid restriction for carry-on baggage when parents
are travelling with children under the age of two. There are no
restrictions on snacks and solid food.

To avoid extra screening at the metal detector, wear clothes without
metal accents.

Going somewhere sunny? Bring your suntan lotion, but leave it in your
checked bags. Other containers with liquids, aerosol and gels (water,
shampoo, hand cream, cosmetics, etc.) that are more than 100ml must
also go in checked bags.

Electronic items like tablets and smart phones can be left in your
carry-on bags for inspection, but laptops must be removed from their
carrying case and placed in a bin.

Seniors

Have your boarding pass ready to present to the screening officer.

Medications in liquid or gel form - prescribed or not - are allowed in
carry-on baggage. To ensure quick screening, make sure they are
clearly labelled and presented to the screening officer separately.

Remove outerwear, including sport coats, jackets and blazers, and place
them in the bins.

Containers with more than 100ml (3.4oz) of liquids, aerosol and gels
must go in checked bags. These include shampoo, conditioner,
toothpaste, creams, perfumes, colognes, aerosol and shaving cream.

Special Needs/Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can be difficult to explain; showing supporting
documentation, like a doctor's note, to the screening officer may help.

Let the screening officer know your level of ability (e.g. if you use an
airline wheelchair to get through a large airport but can walk short
distances on your own). This will help them identify which method of
screening best suits your needs. Remember, you may request a private
search at any time.

You can bring medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids in addition
to your limit of two carry-on bags.

Medications are exempt from liquid and gel restrictions. Just make sure
they are properly labeled.

In major airports, look for Family/Special Needs lines. They provide
more room to maneuver, which helps those travelling with items like
wheelchairs and strollers, and are staffed with screening officers who
are trained to provide extra assistance.

For more information on the screening process, visit catsa.gc.ca or
contact us on Twitter (@catsa_gc).